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Posted: January 7, 2026 (8 days ago)

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Highway Maintenance Worker 2

State of Washington

Dept. of Transportation

Recent

Location

Washington, 98504

Salary

$57,252 - $69,744

per year

Closes

January 22, 2026More State jobs →

Job Description

Summary

This job involves hands-on maintenance of state highways, including repairing roads, clearing debris, managing vegetation, and handling snow and ice to keep travel safe and smooth.

Workers use various tools and equipment for these tasks and may lead a small team or respond to emergencies like accidents or bad weather.

It's a good fit for someone with practical experience in outdoor labor, who is reliable, works well in a team, and can handle irregular hours including nights and weekends.

Key Requirements

  • Technical expertise in highway maintenance operations, including traffic control, vehicle operation, snow and ice management, and equipment handling
  • Experience with traffic control compliant with MUTCD standards, such as setting up work zones, signs, cones, flagging, and lane closures
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact with diverse groups, including coordinating with external agencies
  • Ability to operate a wide variety of highway equipment, tools, and vehicles for repairs and maintenance
  • Willingness to work irregular hours, including weekends, holidays, nights, rotational shifts, and emergency responses within 45 minutes
  • Capability to lead and train crew members, plan work activities, and assign tasks when needed
  • Knowledge of safety protocols for hazardous materials, bloodborne pathogens, and emergency incident response

Full Job Description

About WSDOTThe Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is a multimodal agency with a global reputation for excellence.

Our dedicated workforce plans, designs, builds, and operates an integrated transportation system that safely and efficiently moves people and goods throughout the state.

In addition to maintaining over 20,000 lane miles of state highway and 4,100 bridges, WSDOT manages the world's longest floating bridge, leads an award-winning Active Transportation Plan, holds the record for the world’s widest tunneling project, and operates the largest ferry system in the nation!The OpportunityWSDOT is currently seeking a Highway Maintenance Worker 2 to join our regional maintenance team in a journey-level role.

Under the direction of a Highway Maintenance Worker 3, this position operates a wide variety of highway equipment and tools to perform skilled maintenance and repair of highways and highway structures.

The work directly supports the safe and efficient movement of people and commerce.

This position may also serve as a lead worker and direct a crew in the absence of a Highway Maintenance Worker 3.What to ExpectThis position may require working weekends and holidays and may involve responding to emergency calls outside of scheduled hours, with a response time of 45 minutes.

Employees must be prepared for emergency situations in any weather, 24/7, and may work long hours, including nights and rotational shifts.

Standby and call-back may be needed occasionally.Among the varied range of responsibilities held within this role, the Highway Maintenance Worker 2 will:

  • Perform day-to-day highway maintenance activities, including vegetation management, pavement and drainage repair, erosion control, sign and guardrail repair, litter and debris removal, and construction of appropriate BMPs.
  • Operate and use a variety of tools, equipment, and materials to complete asphalt, concrete, and roadway maintenance and repair work.
  • Maintain roadways for safe and open travel by performing snow and ice control, loading and hauling materials, and maintaining stockpile sites.
  • Respond to emergency situations by setting up and managing traffic control, acting as a first responder at incident scenes, and coordinating with external agencies.
  • Implement traffic control operations in accordance with departmental and MUTCD standards, including lane closures, detours, and attenuator/buffer truck operations.
  • Inspect, maintain, and repair equipment and hand tools by performing routine maintenance and minor repairs to ensure safe and reliable operation.
  • Assist with the cleanup and removal of unlawful dwellings while following safety protocols for hazardous materials and potential bloodborne pathogens.
  • Lead and train crew members in the absence of a Highway Maintenance Worker 3 by planning work activities, assigning tasks, and providing equipment instruction.

Qualifications
To be considered for this opportunity, the following are required:
  • Technical & Operational Expertise: Ability to apply knowledge and skills in highway and maintenance operations, including traffic control, vehicle operation, snow and ice operations, and equipment handling, ensuring safe and effective completion of tasks.
  • Traffic Control & MUTCD Compliance: Experience performing traffic control in accordance with MUTCD standards, including planning work zones, setting signs, cones, or barrels, and conducting flagging operations.
  • Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Effectively communicate with diverse audiences, both orally and in writing, to provide clear information and support collaboration.
  • Customer Service Excellence: Provide responsive, courteous, and professional service to internal and external customers, resolving issues and maintaining positive relationships.
  • Independent Work & Prioritization: Manage workload independently, efficiently prioritizing multiple assignments to meet deadlines and operational needs.
  • Technology & Data Management: Proficiently use Windows-based computers and software to complete documentation, reporting, and operational tasks accurately and efficiently.
  • Growth Mindset: Actively demonstrates a commitment to learning and growth.
  • Service-Oriented: Takes action to meet the needs of others.

In addition to the competencies above, the following are also required:
  • Class A CDL with N endorsement without restrictions. To include a valid DOT Medical Examiner's Certificate.
  • Washington State Pesticide Applicator’s License (Required Within 12 Months of Hire).
  • Possession of a valid Traffic Control/Flagging card or obtained within six months of employment.
  • Obtain and maintain valid First Aid/CPR Certification within six months of employment.
  • Ability to transport, move, and manipulate various types of equipment weighing 50 pounds or more.
  • Ability to respond to the assigned duty station within 45 minutes of an after-hours callout.
  • Ability to traverse rough, steep, and uneven terrain and work at elevated heights, above 25 feet over land or water.

It is preferred that qualified candidates also have:
  • Educational Foundation: Completion of high school, possession of a GED certificate, or an equivalent level of education.
  • Safety Awareness & Compliance: Experience following safety policies and procedures while performing work in a safe and diligent manner.
  • Workload Management Experience: Experience working independently while effectively prioritizing tasks and managing multiple assignments.

Important Notes
  • This recruitment may also be used to fill additional positions per business needs.
  • This position is not eligible for remote work.
  • Duties involve physical tasks outdoors in various weather conditions, including high winds, both day and night, often near high-speed traffic.

    Responsibilities include manual labor, machinery operation, and working in confined spaces.

    There is exposure to hazardous materials, chemicals, and environmental conditions, including hot asphalt and potential waste hazards.

  • This position is subject to the drug and alcohol testing requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA). For more information, please go to DOT Drug & Alcohol Testing.
  • In addition to base salary, employees may be entitled to other forms of compensation depending on the type, duties, or location of the position.

    For union-represented positions, more information on other forms of compensation can be found in the applicable Collective Bargaining Agreements.

    Information on other compensation types for non-represented positions can be found in Chapter 357-28 of the Washington Administrative Code.

  • WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT). For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.

Why WSDOT
  • Work-Life Balance – We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individuals’ lifestyle.
  • Tuition Assistance – Permanent employees have several options for assistance with education expenses, including tuition reimbursement programs, government discounts at participating colleges throughout the state, and eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness.
  • Paid Leave – In addition to 12 paid holidays, full-time employees may earn up to 25 paid vacation days per year!
  • Plan For Your Future – WSDOT offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes a variety of healthcare options. Employees also have their choice of state retirement programs, and much more. Go to State Benefits for more information.

Check out this video to learn more: Why WSDOT?

How to Apply
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.

In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:

  • An attached Resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
  • Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.

Please click the "APPLY" button to proceed. Note that you will be prompted to either sign in or create an account. This step is required in order to submit an application to this opportunity.

WSDOT is an equal opportunity employer. We value the importance of creating an environment in which all employees can feel respected, included, and empowered to bring unique ideas to the agency.

Our diversity and inclusion efforts include embracing different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints while fostering growth and advancement in the workplace.

All persons, regardless of race, ethnicity, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/ or gender identity, are encouraged to apply.

Persons with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the listed Recruiter.

WSDOT does not use the E-Verify system, therefore we are not eligible to extend STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT).

For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov.Contact UsFor inquiries about this posting, you may contact the assigned Recruiter at yasmin.munoz@wsdot.wa.gov.

Please be sure to reference 25DOT-NCR-20230 in the subject line.

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Posted on NEOGOV: 1/7/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 1/8/2026

Source: NEOGOV | ID: neogov-washington-5190667